A shooting at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, on Sunday morning left multiple people injured, according to local authorities. Police also reported that the church was engulfed in flames as emergency crews arrived on the scene. Read More
The attack took place during the church’s 10 a.m. service, though the extent and nature of the injuries were not immediately clear. Police said the shooter was “down” and confirmed that there was no ongoing threat to the public.
“The entire church is on fire,” Genesee County Sheriff Christopher Swanson said in a video shared on social media. He explained that people inside had been evacuated and described the situation as “dynamic,” though he reassured residents that the threat had been contained.
Videos circulating online showed thick plumes of smoke rising above the treeline near the church. Witnesses described chaos and fear as the attack unfolded.
Paul Kirby, 38, who was inside the church at the time, recalled hearing what sounded like an explosion outside. When he stepped out to investigate, he saw a man getting out of a truck and opening fire on people nearby.
“He started shooting at me,” Kirby said. He explained that a bullet shattered a glass door beside him, sending shrapnel into his leg. Kirby ran back inside, searching frantically for his wife and two young sons. Once he found them, the family rushed out the back exit, packed as many people as possible into their car, and sped away.
“The scaredest I’ve ever been,” he said.
